In Athlete Spotlight episode, John and Chris welcome Drake Meeks, a talented pitcher from the University of Southern Mississippi. They discuss Drake's journey from a youth baseball player to eventual collegiate athlete. Topics include: the importance of body control in pitching, and the mental toughness required to succeed. Drake also shares his experiences with injury and recovery, including his Tommy John surgery, and emphasizes the significance of training and preparation. The conversation concludes with valuable advice for aspiring athletes and insights into the competitive nature of college baseball.

**John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show*

In this episode, John and Chris discuss the multifaceted nature of athletic injuries, particularly focusing on the recent surge in Achilles tendon injuries in professional sports. They explore various factors contributing to these injuries, including training methods, the impact of modern technology and light exposure, and potential links to COVID-19 vaccinations. The conversation emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to athlete health and injury prevention, urging coaches and trainers to consider all aspects of an athlete's environment and lifestyle.

**John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should ALWAYS seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show*

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Athletic Development

00:34 The Achilles Tendon Controversy

13:42 The Impact of Blue Light on Injuries

29:21 Exploring COVID-19 Vaccine and Musculoskeletal Disorders

In this episode John and Chris discuss various aspects of athletic development, focusing on the relationship between weight gain and speed loss, the differences between yielding isometrics and iso-extremes, and addressing common injuries like brachialis pain in pitching.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back to the Starting Block Podcast

06:00 Understanding Weight Gain and Speed Loss

16:01 Isometric Training: Yielding vs. ISO Extremes

28:03 Addressing Brachialis Pain in Pitching

**John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show*

In this guest episode John and Chris welcome back Dr. Jen Perez from Gait Happens. They discuss the importance of foot health in athletic performance, the impact of footwear on foot function, common foot problems faced by athletes, and the significance of proper foot care and strength training. The conversation also delves into the causes of bunions and the importance of preventative care to avoid surgery. Dr. Perez also discusses various aspects of foot health, including the importance of muscle strength in foot function, the connection between ankle sprains and foot pain, and the relationship between pelvic floor health and foot function.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Starting Block Podcast

02:30 Welcoming Dr. Jen Perez Back

03:18 Gate Happens: Mission and New Products

05:15 Foot Health Education for All Practitioners

06:04 The Impact of Foot Function on Overall Health

08:35 Footwear and Its Effects on Athletic Performance

11:10 Strategies for Foot Health and Recovery

13:29 Introducing the Foot Health Kit

16:33 Assessing Toe Strength and Function

19:34 Common Foot Problems in Athletes

21:06 Understanding Bunions and Their Causes

28:57 Improving Foot Function and Aesthetics

30:52 The Importance of Muscle Strength in Foot Health

33:40 The Connection Between Ankle Sprains and Foot Pain

36:04 Pelvic Floor and Foot Health

40:26 Orthotics: When to Use and When to Avoid

45:25 Rehabilitation and Return to Sport

52:31 Foot Health Practices for Athletes

**John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show*

In this week's guest interview, John and Chris are joined by Michael Fahey, the director of Westside vs the World and Co-Founder of OVR Performance. The conversation explores Michael's journey from film to sports, the creation of his documentary, and the innovative approach of OVR Performance in revolutionizing athletic training through affordable and effective velocity-based training tools. Michael shares insights on the importance of coaching, the evolution of training methodologies, and the challenges faced in the sports industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Starting Block Podcast

02:35 Guest Introduction: Michael Fahey

03:32 Michael's Journey into the Industry

10:52 The Impact of Forks Over Knives

12:55 Transitioning to NFL Network and Beyond

16:26 Creating West Side Versus the World

18:13 The Experience of Filmmaking

22:52 OVR Performance and Velocity-Based Training

31:45 The Framework of Lifting and Coaching

36:01 Learning from the Greats: Insights from Louie Simmons

40:41 Transitioning from Filmmaking to Coaching

44:50 OVR Performance: Revolutionizing Training Technology

51:59 Innovative Jump Systems and Their Impact

01:00:04 The Future of OVR: Apps and Connectivity

**John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show*

In this week's Q & A, John & Chris discuss focusing on how to measure progress beyond just weight. They emphasize the significance of proper positioning in training, the role of velocity and intent in movement, and the foundational aspect of position in achieving athletic performance. The conversation highlights the need for a holistic approach to training that prioritizes movement quality and injury prevention.

**John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show*

In this week's guest interview John & Chris welcome back a regular to the show, David Buer.

The guys tackle a number of topics including: the power of mentorship in shaping youth athletes, authenticity in coaching, System X, discipline, navigating stress with emotion resilience and much more.

**John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show*

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Mentorship in Youth Development

03:03 Embodiment and Authenticity in Coaching

06:14 System X: A New Approach to Training

09:08 The Role of Discipline in Execution

11:58 Handling Stress and Emotional Resilience

15:12 The Critical Nature of Execution

17:50 Mental Health and Discipline in Society

24:25 Cultural Shift Towards Meritocracy

25:27 Understanding Physical Execution and Mental Engagement

27:52 The Importance of Recovery in Training

33:46 Integrating Advanced Training Modalities

40:24 Preparing for Real-Life Demands

46:11 The Balance Between Performance and Recovery

In this week's Q & A, John and Chris answer you questions regarding:

• Does extreme or exaggerated range of motion help you to improve force production?
• Do you recommend red/infrared therapy?

*John, Chris and many of the show's guests are NOT licensed healthcare providers & make NO claims to be. The information provided in this show is not intended to be medical advice & should not be misconstrued as such. You assume all risk & liability by implementing any of the information shared on this show. You should seek the opinions of a qualified healthcare provider in your state/country before using any of the information provided in this show*

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Athletic Development

01:35 Exploring Extreme Ranges of Motion

06:01 The Balance of Range of Motion and Force Production

09:36 Understanding PAILs and Rails in Training

14:12 The Benefits of Red and Infrared Light Therapy

19:11 Bridging the Gap: Technology and Athletic Performance